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10 Steps to Practice Indian Head Massage on Yourself

As some of you may already know, Indian Head Massage (IHM) is a form of Ayurvedic massage therapy focused on the upper-back, arms, head, neck and face areas. It has numerous physical and mental benefits, including: relaxation of muscles and the whole body, improvement of blood and lymph circulation and joints’ movements, promoting hair growth and good sleep quality, relieving from headache and sinusitis, reducing stress and anxiety.

Since this practice is so powerful and brings so much well-being, it would be a pity to miss out just because maybe we don’t have the time or the money to spend, or we can’t find the right therapist nearby.

The little guide that follows will allow you to experience the benefits of IHM, thanks to the practice of self-massage, in 10 easy steps!

PREPARE THE ROOM

Self-massage should be done at a slow, easy pace, so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to complete your treatment. Ensure that the room you intend to use is warm and comfortable and that you are not going to be disturbed.

Wear clothing that is loose to allow free movement. Choose a chair that has good back support but one that does not have a back that is of a height that will interfere with the massage movements.

PREPARE YOURSELF

Place your hands on your lap and close your eyes. You now need to relax to experience the full benefits of the massage. Visualisation or breathing exercises are often the best methods to use because of their calming effect, but use anything that works best for you.

Complete a little upper-body stretch to be ready to begin.

  1. STEP ONE: Pour approximately one tablespoon of the pre-blended oil into the palm of one hand and apply it to the crown of the head. (You can skip this step if you don’t want to use oil).
  2. STEP TWO: Beginning at either side of the head, massage your fingers into the hair, working towards the crown. Gradually work towards the front and back of the head until the oil is distributed evenly over the complete head (if you are using oil).
  3. STEP THREE: Gently massage over the entire head using your fingers and your thumbs. This creates friction and warmth, which will relax the head muscles.
  4. STEP FOUR: Using both hands, grip large clumps of hair at the roots and tug from side to side. Keep the knuckles very close to the scalp. This movement increases the flexibility of the scalp.
  5. STEP FIVE: With the heel of the hands on the temples, apply firm pressure and make large, slow circular movements over the temples.
  6. STEP SIX: With the head tilted forward, using alternate hands, squeeze and roll the muscles at the back of the neck, starting at the base of the skull and working downwards. Repeat several times. Step 6
  7. STEP SEVEN: Place the thumbs on either side of the base of the skull just under the occiput. Rub firmly using small, circular movements. Step 7
  8. STEP EIGHT: Using the right hand, apply a medium pressure to the left upper shoulder area near the neck and gently squeeze the muscle tissue. Continue this movement along the full length of the shoulder. Repeat twice more. Apply this technique to the other shoulder. Step 8
  9. STEP NINE: With the palm of the right hand on the base of the left hand side of the neck, rub firmly downwards along the shoulder and upper arm to the elbow for 3 times. Apply to the left hand side using the right palm. This technique will remove toxins, improve muscle tone and increase circulation. Step 9
  10. STEP TEN: To complete the massage, gently rub both hands over the whole of the head and onto the face.

Are you more Vata, Pitta or Kapha?

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that the world is made up of 5 elements: ether, water, earth, fire and air. A combination of each element results in 3 energies, known as “doshas“: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

As well as the elements, also the doshas can be found in everyone and everything, but in different proportions. The unique ratio of doshas within each of us, usually with one standing out more than the others, provides us with a personal blueprint for optimal health (or our constitution), and influences our individual physical, mental, and emotional traits.

An Ayurvedic practitioner can help you find out your personal ratio of dosha and give you more in depth information and advice about keep yourself health and balanced with diet, meditation, exercises, etc.

VATA

Vata is considered as the leader of the 3 doshas and the principle of mobility, as it consists mostly of ether and air. Because it governs all movements and activities, it is associated with breathing, heart beat, muscle contraction, communication (thoughtout mind and nervous system), creativity and flexibility.

Those with Vata as predominant dosha are usually described as slim, energetic, and creative. They’re known for thinking outside the box but can become easily distracted. Their mood is highly dependent on the weather, people around them, and foods they eat.

Strengths: learn quickly, highly creative, multitasker, kind-hearted, flexible, “on the go,” naturally slim.

Weaknesses: forgetful, anxious, unstable mood, can get overwhelmed easily, highly sensitive to the cold, has trouble sleeping, irregular appetite and eating patterns, prone to digestive issues and gas, poor circulation.

PITTA

Pitta represents the energy of transformation (neither mobile or stable, but “spreading”) and is associated with the fire and water element. This dosha relates to intelligence, understanding, and the digestion of foods, thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Known for being associated with tenacious and strong personalities, people Pitta-dominant are said to be muscly, athletic and have leadership qualities. They’re highly motivated, goal-oriented, and competitive. Still, their aggressive and tenacious nature can lead to conflict.

Strengths: intelligent, purposeful, self-determined, masters skills easily, strong desire for success, strong, natural leaders, quick metabolism, good circulation, healthy skin and hair.

Weaknesses: impatient, prone to conflict, always hungry, mood swings when hungry, prone to acne and inflammation, sensitive to hot temperatures.

KAPHA

Kapha is based on earth and water and lends structure, solidity, and cohesiveness to all things. This dosha hydrates all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, maintains immunity, and protects the tissues.

Kapha people are described as strong, thick-boned, and caring. They’re known for keeping things together and being a support system for others. Kapha-dominant people rarely get upset, think before acting, and go through life in a slow, deliberate manner.

Strengths: empathetic, caring, trusting, patient, calm, wise, happy, romantic, strong bones and joints, healthy immune system.

Weaknesses: prone to weight gain, slow metabolism, sluggishness, over-sleeping, breathing issues, mucus buildup, susceptible to depression, needs regular motivation and encouragement.

IMBALANCED DOSHAS

An imbalance dosha can cause all sort of problems, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. How do we recognise when we have a bit of work to do on ourselves, and how we restore the inner equilibrium?

Imbalanced Vata

When in balance, the Vata person is lively and energetic. Dry skin and hair, cough, muscle spasm, tremors and ticks are some problems that one may face when Vata is imbalanced. Also, they tend to experience fear, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and exhaustion, which can lead to both physical and energetic depletion, disrupting proper communication.

For optimal health, according to Ayurveda, a Vata-dominant person should follow a regular daily routine, manage stress through meditation and other activities that involve constant movement (like cycling, running, walking, tai chi, etc.).

High consumption of spicy and astringent foods contributes to Vata imbalance, so a diet with salty, sweet and sour tastes and warm, moist and easily digestible foods (such as broccoli, eggs, rice, wheat, avocado, yoghurt, melon, coconut, nuts, berries, soups and stews) is recommended.

Imbalanced Pitta

An imbalanced Pitta shows jealousy, criticism, anger and agitation, and may even cause inflammatory disorders such as ulcers and bowel disease.

Those with a Pitta-dominant people should focus on work-life balance and avoid extreme heat (e.g., weather, spicy food). Pitta balance can be restored with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and heavy, cool foods (like sweet fruits, dairy products, oats and mint). Avoid sour fruits, red meat, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant.

Team sports are an excellent way to stay active while satisfying Pitta’s natural competitiveness. Also meditation, massages and inhaling cooling scents such as rose, mint and lavender can help relax the body.

Imbalanced Kapha

When out of balance, physically and mentally Kapha tends to invte stagnation and congestion in organs and in the mind. It triggers emotions of attachment, greed, and possessiveness and can also create stubbornness, lethargy, and resistance to change.

For good health, a Kapha-dominant person should focus on gentle exercises (better with a workout buddy!), an extra intake of fluids and keep a warm body temperature to maintain the energy flowing.

One of the major reasons for Kapha imbalance is excessive food consumption, and therefore a light, low-fat diet of bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes (such as strong spices, raw vegetables, ripe fruits, oats, rye, barley) is recommended.

Discover the properties of Jasmine

The name “Jasmine” originates from the Persian word “Yasmin“, meaning “gift from God“, with its flower considered highly sacred in India and the Himalayas. In these regions women use it to scent their hair and on the day before a wedding, the bride to be wears a garland of jasmine and roses around her neck, as sensual symbol of her purity and passion. Infact in the symbolism of flowers Jasmine represents purity, simplicity, modesty and strength.

There are around 200 native species of this flower that can be found in Eurasia and Oceania, and only one species native to Europe. Botanists believe that jasmine originated in Persia from where it crossed the Red Sea and made it’s way to Turkey and Greece. It’s believed that this may have happened as early as 1000 BC.

Jasmine is incredibly expensive due to how difficult it is to extract oils from. It must be picked with extreme care only at night to prevent the sun from dissipating the scent of the flowers and if it is damaged, this may lessen the oil yield. Just to give you an idea: it takes around 7.6 million flowers to produce 1kg of jasmine essential oil!

HEALTH BENEFITS

For thousands years Jasmine essential oil has been used in many parts of Asia as a natural remedy for many health and mental conditions. The tea was drunk (and still is nowadays!) not only for its wonderful and delicate taste, but also for the many benefits to overall health and wellbeing it brings.

  • Digestive and gastrointestinal benefits

Jasmine is rich in antioxidants that interact with gastrointestinal enzymes to facilitate better nutrients absorption and promote healthy bowel function. It also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut and has been found to eliminate the harmful ones (a recent study found that Jasmine flower extract was effective at inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus). The antispasmodic qualities of jasmine make it helpful to relieve indigestion, stomach cramps and soothe inflammation.

  • Insomnia and stress relief

Jasmine has sedative effects on the nervous system, soothing and relaxing tense nerves, by bringing on feelings of calm, relaxation and stress relief. The sedative compounds found in this herb have been found to promote peaceful sleep, help to induce sleep and regulate irregular sleep patterns.

  • Anxiety and mood improvement

The uplifting scent of jasmine essential oil has been proven to improve mood, de-stress and bring anxiety down to a more manageable level. Another study found that jasmine essential oil, when used in aromatherapy massage, has a stimulating effect could that alleviates depression and anxiety whilst uplifting the mood.

  • Reproductive health

With natural hormone balancing properties, jasmine has been shown to improve symptoms of PMS, menopause, and act as an “emmenagogue” (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow). The emmenagogue property of jasmine oil regulates menstrual cycles and provides relief from painful periods. Women who use Jasmine essential oil post-natally have experienced faster recovery times and a shorter post-natal period, as well as being less prone to post-natal depression.

SIDE EFFECTS

Although jasmine is a likely safe flower to intake, always follow your doctor’s advice or consult a homeopatic herbalist pratictioner before starting to take it for health purposes. In terms of side effects, if present in some parfumes or body creams it might give you an allergic reaction (most likely skin related). You should also avoid jasmin when pregnant, as it can stimulate contractions.

What is the best Tarot deck for you?

Choosing a Tarot deck is never easy, whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert. There are literally hundreds of different Tarot decks to choose from, and they are all so different in their symbolism, energy, size, artwork and much more.

So, where do you begin? This is a little guide that hopefully will help you select the right Tarot deck for you.

Find the one that communicates with you
Number 1 advice is as simple as this: go with your intuition and the energy that you feel from the cards! Some poeple prefer decks with modern lines, colorful and detailed drawings, some other rather have vintage inspired cards. Sometimes Tarot decks also come with themes, such as ancient greek mythology, vampires, animals, and so on. These might give you a good indication on where to look for.

If you’ve got a selling shop nearby, it is always good to go to the store and handle personally the Tarot decks to pick up the energy and the feeling from them. There is definetely a deck out there for you, so just follow your instincts and go for it (even if you are obsessed by one you saw only online!).

Check the number of cards
Not all spiritual card decks are Tarot. Infact, there are Lenormand decks, Angels and other Oracle cards, and they are very different from Tarots, although they are used in similar ways. A tarot card will generally have 78 cards, while Oracle cards vary, and don’t follow a particular structure and have more variation. It is important to know which type you’re using, as each have their own particular purpose.

Consider your experience
If you’re a complete beginner, you may want to start learning with the most easy and popular Tarot decks, like the Marseille or the Rider Waite decks. They’re easier to understand, straight-forward in their symbolism and more practical.

On the other side, if you are more experienced or you want to challenge yourself, then you may choose a deck like the Thoth Tarot for its complexity and depth.

Traditional or modern?
Are you fascinated by the old, traditional Tarot decks like the Tarot de Marseille or the Original Rider Waite Tarot deck? Or are you prefer the modern Tarot decks like the Wild Unknown or Tarot del Fuego?

You may think that every deck is based on the same 78 tarot cards, but this isn’t always true. There are several traditions, which change sometimes the order of the cards, the source meaning, and even the name. The Rider Waite Smith tradition is the one that we most commonly see here in the English speaking world. The Marseille is older and has its tradition roots in France. The Thoth tradition has many esoteric and metaphysical ideas into the cards, including Astrology and Kabbalah.

If you’re new, I suggest you start with the system that you most feel comfortable with and you know better, but remember that when you’re ready you can always expand your horizon!

Find the right size for you
Tarot cards come in different sizes, and some of them may not be right for you. Giant Tarot cards may be great for group readings or parties. Standard Tarot cards (7cm x 12cm) may be better for face-to-face client or personal readings. Mini Tarot cards are perfect for fitting into your handbag for a reading on the go (you never know when you might need one!).

This is very important, because if the cards are too big or too small, they may be too clumsy for you or your clients to handle. So, before selecting a deck, it is always good to handle the cards and practice a bit of shuffling.

Consider how you want to use your cards
Some people will buy a new deck because they are professional readers and they want to expand their reading skills and give their clients more choice, some others just want to do self readings, but they still would like to choose.

Each deck has its own voice and particular topic that they are better at reading. Sometimes, if you’re feeling particularly vulnerable, you may want a deck that is more compassionate and kind. Other times, you may want cards that tell you the truth very frankly. No matter the reason why you are buying a new Tarot deck, you don’t have to bond with just one. The beauty is this: there are so many possibilities!

Don’t Be Afraid To Buy Your Own Tarot Cards
For years there’s been a superstitious rumour going on that Tarot cards should only be gifted to you and that you can’t buy your own deck. Probably this comes from the past rituals and traditions of many generations of readers, but remember: traditions don’t have to limit you. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from giving few hints when Christmas or your birthday are close, and if you’re lucky enough to be able to ask another person for the tarot deck you want, do so!

What matters most is the connection you have with your deck. Therefore, you might want to purchase a Tarot deck that is a perfect fit, instead of someone to give you a deck that is completely ‘off’.

I hope you will find the deck that perfectly fits you and that its connection will inspire all your readings!

SCENAR Healing – How I straightened up my back in 40 min

A couple of months ago I started to have a very annoying pain in my right shoulder, as if someone was repetedly stabbing me with a knife right next to it. The pain was sometimes irradiating up to my neck and down to my elbow, and everything I tried to do to improve this pain was just having a temporary effect. I am well aware of my bad posture, which is something I have been trying to fix for a very long time, some periods doing better than others.

But destiny decided to give me a hand and let me meet a wonderful human being, Tom Askew, who has become my neighbour. Being both of us healers, we started talking and I decided to book a session with him and his “magic machine”. Let me tell you, the results were very impressive! In this article I want to share my experience with Tom, and let him talk about Scenar because trust me, it is someting you don’t want to miss.

What is a SCENAR machine?

SCENAR stands for “Self-Controlling Energy Neuro-Adaptive Regulator” and is a small handsized machine. It is a medical technology developed first for the Soviet Space Program for healing astronauts without using common drugs, and it is now known as the world’s most technically advanced pain relief/healing device.

How does it work?

Unlike painkillers, SCENAR doesn’t mask pain, but it works with the brain and central nervous system to redirect the body’s focus onto the painful condition or injury and encourages it to heal itself. It is basically a reminder for our brain to start healing again after it has forgotten how and where to do it!

The SCENAR machine is held against the body and through the skin it emits electromagnetic waves, which travel along the central nervous system to the brain. These pulses are very similar to the body’s nerve signals so the brain recognises them and reacts by producing mediators, hormones and other chemicals, which reduce the sensation of pain.

The SCENAR device can interpret the brain’s response and modifies its next impulse back to the brain to work at restoring balance to the body (called active biofeedback). The brain, in return, sends a modified response and so on, until balance and healing is achieved.

After an injury or onset of disease the communication system between the brain and the affected body part can “break down” or “get used to” the signal from that body part, and that’s why many conditions become chronic and unresponsive to treatment. SCENAR breaks the body out of this habit and restores correct communication resulting in effective and more complete healing.

Why it is different from other devices or techniques?

The SCENAR machine has a real-time feedback and constant adjustment to deliver the right type and amount of energy where is needed. That’s why it is very useful to diagnose as well where the pain is starting from, as it detects in numbers where the electromagnetic waves are imbalanced and should be used.

Who can benefit from scenar?

Everyone, regardless of their age! SCENAR can help people with all sorts of short and long-term musculoskeletal conditions, and injuries. The most common local effects are stimulating the skin, blood vessels and muscles. General effects on the body include influencing nervous, endocrine and immune systems.

A treatment with SCENAR is absolutely non-invasive and therefore, the side effects are minimal. Worst case scenario it does nothing! But pacemaker is the main contraindication for receiving a treatment. 

What does a treatment feel like?

After SCENAR therapy you may feel more relaxed and enjoy better quality sleep. Personally during the treatment I felt some sort of tingling over my skin and a hot sensation coming in waves in my body. After, I felt generally more energised and balanced, kind of more in peace and very very thirsty!

How long before you see any results?

It obviously depends on the nature of your issue and how long you’ve had it for. Some people experience improvement after just one or two treatments, others benefit from having regular treatments for a few weeks or months. I personally improved a lot just after a treatment: my posture was immediately better and straighter, my pain was gone and I felt more energised.

Tom has trained with and worked alongside Russian Doctors since 1999 and he is a very powerful and capable healer, other than being a very nice person! Tom works with the very latest devices, the SCENAR Super Pro and the COSMODIC ENS. After attending a course there are many different type of devices you can purchase and use yourself, according to what you are looking for and how much you want to spend.

If you want to book a treatment, purchase a machine or simply know more about SCENAR, you can contact Tom at his website: www.tomaskew.com

(Some material, information and pictures were taken from www.tomaskew.com, with the kind concession from Tom).

Allineamento Armonico Vertebrale – Un’intervista a Claudia Bondi / Harmonic Spinal Alignment – An Interview with Claudia Bondi

Articolo bilingue, per la versione Inglese scorrere in basso!

Bilingual article, for the English version scroll down!


Come molti di voi sanno già il Reiki è una delle varie tecniche che offro nel mio studio olistico Abundy, e ho avuto la fortuna di impararlo dalla mia insegnante Claudia Bondi. Claudia è una donna forte, vivace, positiva e un’ottima maestra. Grazie a lei non solo ho scoperto il mondo del Reiki, ma mi ha anche introdotto ad altri nuovi metodi di guarigione olistica (fra cui l’Allineamento armonico vertebrale) che vorrei condividere con voi lettori.

  1. Ciao Claudia e grazie per aver accettato questa intervista sul blog di Abundy! Partiamo da una domanda di base: quali trattamenti olistici offri nel tuo studio a Parma?

Grazie dell’invito! Principalmente trattamenti di Reiki e di Allineamento Vertebrale. Mi piace offrire anche altri metodi e per questo mi avvalgo di altri operatori olistici che possono praticare qui da me dalla riflessologia plantare alla Kinesiologia, massaggi e Shatsu, ma anche corsi di yoga e meditazione!

  1. Quando e perchè ti sei avvicinata al mondo del Reiki?

Sinceramente ho partecipato al primo corso Reiki tanti anni fa e….per curiosità! Non avevo mai sentito pronunciare la parola Reiki, quando, al termine di una seduta da una bravissima psicologa che mi seguiva in un periodo difficile della mia vita, dalla bocca di questa meravigliosa donna sono uscite spontaneamente queste parole: ”Ti vedo Master Reiki!”. Era tanta la stima per questa dottoressa che mi sono iscritta al mio primo corso a Milano, senza sapere assolutamente nulla di ciò che andavo ad imparare. Devo dire che al termine del corso, da persona estremamente razionale quale ero, balenava in me la frase “questi sono tutti matti!”. Arrivata a casa ho provato a fare un esperimento pratico. Dietro suggerimento di uno dei presenti al corso, ho preso un paio di orecchini, per me estremamente allergici e che non riuscivo ad indossare per oltre 10 minuti. Ho tenuto gli orecchini fra le mani inviando Energia per qualche minuto. Poi li ho indossati e… mi sono dimenticata di averli addosso! Nessuna reazione! Rimasi stordita dalla straordinarietà della cosa e scossa all’idea che allora forse non erano poi così matti come pensavo.

E da lì, da questa piccola cosa mi si è aperto un mondo: ho iniziato a farmi auto trattamenti, in particolar modo alla mia spalla, per la quale avevo già prenotato l’operazione al tendine un paio di mesi dopo. Di giorno in giorno il dolore alla spalla diminuiva! A pochi giorni dalla data fissata per l’intervento non avevo più male…. e ho annullato l’operazione! Cosa per me ancora “strana”, ma funzionava! Ho così preso via via maggiore fiducia, tanto che ho continuato il percorso partecipando anche al corso di secondo livello Reiki. E questo per me è stata la “salvezza”. Mi aspettava un periodo molto duro. Mio marito perse la vita in un tremendo incidente e mi sono trovata a terra per il dolore e per la situazione economica disastrosa. Grazie al Reiki e alle letture di Grandi Maestri, ho lavorato su tante cose e quindi vissuto il miracolo della trasformazione del dolore in Amore, in Gioia, in Pace!

  1. Com’è nata la tecnica dell’allineamento armonico vertebrale?

È stato talmente importante per me il Reiki che è nato il desiderio di divulgare il più possibile. Così ho terminato il percorso fino a diventare Master Reiki, mi sono licenziata dal mio lavoro stabile ed ho aperto la Partita Iva, creato il mio sito per tenere corsi Reiki e praticare trattamenti. L’Universo mi ha risposto, i clienti arrivavano, erano felici, mi ringraziavano! Poi un giorno è venuta da me per partecipare al corso di Master Reiki una ragazza di Bologna. Durante la giornata siamo entrate in confidenza e mi informò che lei praticava l’Allineamento Divino. Non avevo mai sentito parlare di questa “tecnica”, grazie alla quale tramite la canalizzazione di un messaggio il corpo si riallinea. In quel periodo avevo dei seri problemi alla mia colonna vertebrale, operata tanti anni prima, ma che presentava ancora una evidente rotazione del bacino di 5 cm. Il giorno seguente decisi di andare da lei a ricevere l’Allineamento.

E’ stata un’esperienza meravigliosa! Immediatamente mi sono allineata, la zona lombare della mia schiena è diventata leggera, una sensazione bellissima. Felice di questa scoperta mi interessai per diventare anch’io operatrice di questo metodo, ma ahimè, i corsi erano troppo cari per me. Una spesa assolutamente impossibile per le mie tasche! Ho quindi rinunciato, felice comunque di poter proporre ai miei clienti questo trattamento indirizzandoli verso l’operatrice che lo aveva fatto a me.

Finchè un giorno, presa dal dispiacere per una ragazza che sapevo soffrire molto e per la quale mi sentivo impotente, anche per il suo rifiuto verso questi metodi alternativi, ho aperto il mio cuore e durante una meditazione ho chiesto: ”Come posso convincere questa ragazza ad andare a Bologna a ricevere l’allineamento? Ho io il diritto di insistere per cercare di convincerla?”. Inaspettatamente mi è arrivata una potente “Voce” da non so dove suggerirmi: DEVI FARLO TU! Tanto forte che ho risposto, anche un po’ indispettita, a voce alta “EH GRAZIE, E COME FACCIO SE NON POSSO FARE IL CORSO???” e mi sono “arrivate” tutte le spiegazioni!

  1. Incredibile e meraviglioso Claudia, cosa succede quando siamo connessi all’ Energia! In termini pratici, cosa può aspettarsi un cliente durante una sessione di allineamento?Serve una preparazione prima? E’ doloroso?

Le aspettative a mio parere non giocano a favore! Posso solo basarmi sulle esperienze e dare delle indicazioni, ma è bene ricordare che non c’è manipolazione né contatto fisico…quindi può solo fare bene, ma quanto lo si può vedere solamente dopo. Gli operatori sono solo canalizzatori di un potente messaggio di guarigione, non la fanno essi stessi e quindi non dipende loro. Possiamo solo dire che normalmente i benefici sono immediati e il cambiamento del corpo è evidente e misurabile. È difficile comprendere tutto ciò con la nostra piccola mente…per questo invito a leggere sul sito le testimonianze e vedere le foto del “prima e dopo”. Ma ripeto è bene non fare promesse e non avere aspettative, ma rimanere semplicemente aperti a ricevere tutto il bene che può arrivare!

Non serve alcuna preparazione prima del trattamento, e non è affatto doloroso. Generalmente durante il trattamento si avvertono delle sensazioni, ad esempio come se qualcuno ti tirasse una gamba, come se un peso se ne andasse, come se ci attraversasse un’onda, ecc.

  1. Chi può ricevere l’allineamento e trarne beneficio?

Tutti possono ricevere l’allineamento e trarne benefici, dai bambini agli anziani, persino gli animali! I benefici non si limitano a tutto il corpo fisico (non soltanto sulla colonna vertebrale),

ma ovviamente sono coinvolti tutti gli altri nostri corpi: il corpo emozionale, mentale, spirituale, ecc.

Mi sono limitata a chiamarlo “Vertebrale” perchè è la parte visibile e misurabile. Viene canalizzato un messaggio di guarigione generale che può arrivare a qualunque parte del corpo che ne ha bisogno.

  1. Chi può diventare operatore e di conseguenza insegnare e offrire l’allineamento? Servono pre-requisiti?

Tutti coloro che desiderano diventare operatore sono i benvenuti! Per chi già “sente” di canalizzare energia non deve fare nulla prima del corso. Invece a coloro che ancora non hanno tale percezione consiglio di partecipare ad un corso Reiki, qualunque scuola può andare bene, e fare un periodo di pratica, finchè non si raggiunge la consapevolezza di sentire l’Energia.

  1. Come è cambiata la tua vita grazie al Reiki e all’allineamento?

Sono stati un grandissimo aiuto per la mia crescita, sono più vicina all’Amore, alla Gioia e alla Pace.

  1. Come è cambiato il modo di lavorare nel tuo studio a causa del Covid?

Lascio fluire. Il fatto di aver sospeso tante attività, come lo yoga, gli incontri di gruppo per le meditazioni e le serate di “scambi Reiki” lascia il posto ad altro…e va bene così! Tanta meditazione, tante letture, tante preghiere e Luce per la trasformazione che avverrà!!!!

  1. Esatto, purtroppo in questo periodo bisogna cercare più che mai di reinventarsi e vedere i lati positivi che ci stanno accanto, e penso tu ci sei riuscita e riuscirai ancora alla grande. Grazie ancora per la tua disponibilità!

La storia di Claudia, specialmente in questo periodo che tutti stiamo vivendo, ci insegna a connetterci all’Energia, a trasformare un periodo negativo in un insegnamento positivo e ad aver fiducia nell’Universo. L’Allineamento armonico vertebrale è un dono meraviglioso e vi assicuro un’esperienza unica da provare. Sono io stessa intenzionata nel prossimo futuro a fare il corso dopo averlo provato su me stessa con risultati molto positivi.

Per chi fosse interessato a mettersi in contatto con Claudia, potete trovare qui i suoi recapiti:

email: info@reikiparma.com
sito: www.reikiparma.com e www.allineamentoarmonicovertebrale.com
tel.: +393298488021
indirizzo: via Giuseppe Bandi 6/1 – 43125 Parma 

As many of you already know, Reiki is one of the various techniques I offer in my holistic studio, and I was lucky enough to learn it from Claudia Bondi. Claudia is a strong, lively, positive woman and an excellent teacher. Thanks to her I not only discovered the world of Reiki, but she also introduced me to other new methods of holistic healing (including the Harmonic spinal alignment) that I would like to share with you readers.

1. Hi Claudia, thank you for accepting this interview for the Abundy’s blog! Let’s start with a basic question: what holistic treatments do you offer in your practice in Parma?

Thanks for the invitation! Mainly I offer Reiki and Spinal Alignment treatments. I also like to offer many other healing methods and for this I ask other holistic therapists to join me here in my studio. They can practice foot reflexology, kinesiology, massages and Shatsu, but also yoga and meditation courses!

2. When and why did you approach the world of Reiki?

Honestly, I attended the first Reiki course many years ago and…. just out of curiosity! I had never heard the word Reiki pronounced when, at the end of a session with a talented psychologist who followed me in a difficult period of my life, these words spontaneously came out of her mouth: “I see you Master Reiki!”. The esteem for this doctor was so great that I enrolled in my first course in Milan, without knowing absolutely anything about what I was going to learn. I must say that at the end of the course, as an extremely rational person I was, I thought evryone was crazy! When I got home I tried to do a practical experiment. At the suggestion of one of those present at the course, I took a pair of earrings, extremely allergic to me and which I could not wear for over 10 minutes. I held the earrings in my hands sending energy for few minutes. Then I put them on and… I forgot I was wearing them! No reaction! I was stunned by the extraordinary nature of it and shocked at the idea that then maybe those people weren’t as crazy as I thought.

And from there, a whole new world opened up: I started treating myself, especially on my shoulder, for which I had already booked a tendon operation a couple of months later. Shoulder pain decreased day by day! A few days from the date set for the surgery I was no longer in pain…. and I canceled the operation! Still “strange” for me, but it worked! I thus gradually gained greater confidence, so much so that I continued the path by also participating in the second level Reiki course. And this for me was “salvation”. I was living a tragic period of my life: my husband had recently lost his life and I found myself on the ground for pain and for the financially disastrous situation. Thanks to Reiki and the readings of Great Masters, I have worked on many things and therefore experienced the miracle of the transformation of pain into Love, into Joy, into Peace!

3. How was the Harmonic spinal alignment technique born?

Reiki was so important to me that the desire to divulge as much as possible was born. So I finished the path to become a Reiki Master, I quit my stable job and I became self employed, created my site to hold Reiki courses and practice treatments. The Universe answered me, the customers came, they were happy, they thanked me! Then one day a girl from Bologna came to me to attend the Reiki Master course. During the day she informed me that she was practicing Divine Spinal Alignment. I had never heard of this “technique”, thanks to which the body realigns itself through the channeling of a message. At that time I had serious problems with my spine, which had been operated on many years before, but which still showed an evident rotation of the pelvis of 5 cm. The next day I decided to go to her to receive the alignment.

It was a wonderful experience! I immediately aligned, my lower back became light, a beautiful feeling. Happy with this discovery, I became interested in becoming an operator of this method too, but unfortunately the courses were too expensive for me. An absolutely impossible expense for my pockets! I therefore gave up, still happy to be able to offer my clients this treatment by directing them to the operator who had done it to me.

Until one day, gripped by sorrow for a girl I knew was suffering a lot and for whom I felt powerless, I opened my heart and during a meditation I asked: “How can I convince this girl to go to Bologna to receive the alignment? Do I have the right to insist on trying to convince her?”. Unexpectedly I heard a powerful “Voice” from I don’t know where saying: YOU MUST DO IT! So loud that I replied, even a little annoyed, “THANK YOU, AND HOW DO I DO THAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD THE COURSE ???” and all of a sudden all the explanations “arrived” to me!

4. Incredible and wonderful Claudia, this is what happens when we are connected to the Energy! In practical terms, what can a client expect during an alignment session? Do you need some preparation first? Is it painful?

Expectations in my opinion do not play in favor! I can only rely on experiences and give indications, but it is good to know that there is no manipulation or physical contact… so it can only do well. The practitioners are just channelers of a powerful healing message, they don’t do it themselves and therefore it’s not up to them. We can only say that the benefits are usually immediate and the change in the body is evident and measurable. It is difficult to understand all this with our little minds… for this reason I invite you to read the testimonials on the site and see the photos of the “before and after”. But it is good not to make promises and have no expectations, but simply remain open to receiving all the good that can come!

No preparation is required before the treatment, and it is not painful at all. Generally there are sensations during the treatment, for example as if someone pulls your leg, as if a weight is going away, as if a wave passes through it, etc.

5. Who can receive the alignment and benefit from it?

Everyone can receive alignment and benefit from it, from babies to seniors, even animals! The benefits are not limited to the entire physical body (not just the spine), but obviously all our other bodies are involved: the emotional, mental, spiritual body, etc.

I limited myself to calling it “spinal” because it is the visible and measurable part. A general healing message is channeled that can reach any part of the body that needs it.

6. Who can become a practitioner and consequently teach and offer alignment? Are there any pre-requisites?

All those who wish to become an operator are welcome! For those who already “feel” the energy and how to channel it, they do not have to do anything before the course. On the other hand, those who still do not have this perception I recommend to attend a Reiki course, any school is fine, and do a period of practice, until you reach the awareness of feeling the energy.

7. How has your life changed thanks to Reiki and the Alignment?

They have been a great help for my personal growth, I am closer to Love, Joy and Peace.

8. How has Covid impacted the way you work in your studio?

I let it flow. The fact of having suspended many activities, such as yoga, group meetings for meditations and evenings of “Reiki exchanges” gives way to something else… and that’s okay! So much meditation, so many readings, so many prayers and Light for the transformation that will happen!

9. Exactly, unfortunately in this period we have to try more than ever to reinvent ourselves and see the positive things that are next to us, and I think you have succeeded and will still succeed. Thanks again for your time!

Claudia’s story, especially in this period that we are all experiencing, teaches us to connect to the Energy, to transform a negative period into a positive teaching and to trust the Universe. The Harmonic Spinal Alignment is a wonderful gift and I assure you a unique experience to try. I myself intend in the near future to take the course after having tried it with very positive results.

For those interested in getting in touch with Claudia, you can find her contact details here:

email: info@reikiparma.com
website: www.reikiparma.com e www.allineamentoarmonicovertebrale.com
tel.: +393298488021
address: via Giuseppe Bandi 6/1 – 43125 Parma (Italy)

Fight PMS with Natural Remedies

If you are a woman and you are part of the 80% of female population that experience PMS, you know how those days of the month can be particularly annoying. You might face a wide range of symptoms from mild ones like bloating, breast tenderness, changes in appetite, fatigue, moodiness, to pretty intense ones such as vomit, cramps, migraine, heavy bleeding, anxiety and depression. Even though it’s appealing to seek medical treatment, especially if your symptoms are severe, it is worth considering a more natural approach and give it a try.

Change diet

It’s alway a good idea, but particularly during PMS, to try to eat smaller portions and reduce your salt intake to reduce bloating and water retention. Add more fruits and veggie (especially artichokes!) to your diet and eliminate complex carbs, sugar and alchol.

Don’t worry, mood is important as well, so a tiny bit of ice cream or chocolate won’t kill you!

Exercise

Regardless of PMS, doing moderate exercise routinely is a good lifestyle choice, but can become very beneficial before or during your period. Even small exercises like walking, swimming or running release endorphins like dopamine and serotonin (chemical messengers that can boost mood) and have positive benefits on energy and sleep.

Herbs

It’s always important to consult your healthcare provider before you start taking any herbal remedy. But if you have a green light, you should definetely try some of these: chaste tree berry, primrose oil (for cramps and breast tenderness), gingko biloba (for mood swings), dandelion (for bloating).

Yoga

If you manage to leave the chocolate on the side and step from your pijama to the yoga mat, you will find these yoga positions really helpful against bloatness and cramps. Yoga can also improve your mood and sleep quality and overall reduce your stress level.

  • Cobra: opens the heart, which can emotionally struggle, and distends the abdominal organs.
  • Bow pose: increases blood flow and stimulates the regular activity of internal organs.
  • Forward fold: one of the most relaxing poses! It also helps opening the hips.
  • Bridge: calms down a stressed mind and stimulates pelvic and abdominal organs.
  • Seated twist: massages and increases circulation and lubrication of internal organs.

Massage and TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine views PMS as a variety of different possible imbalances of several organs that are all linked togheter. Various treatments and techniques (like herbs, massage, acupuncture, moxa, etc.) aim to remove energy blockages, rebalance hormonal fluctuations and repristinate optimum balance.

Acupuncture provides relief by stimulatting the body’s natural healing mechanisms and by treating the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. For instance, it seems to be able to reduce inflammation and works on the mind, which can help to alleviate the stress and mood swings.

Massage therapy can help relieve the bloat and water retention by increasing the circulation and helping with drainage. This allows the body to regain its natural water balance faster and reduce the puffy, bloating feeling. Allow your therapist to suggest which massage would be better for you: you might just need a bit of feet reflexology to detox and calm you down!

Among all the other things, don’t forget to get plenty of good quality sleep and find some ways to manage your stress level (like meditation, doing something creative, stay in contact with nature, etc.). With these tips you can only improve your PMS and make yourself go through those days of the months a bit more smoothly.

7 Planes of Existence

The concept of “planes of existence” comes from the shamanic and mythological traditional idea that the world is structured on a vertical axis. This could be for example similar to a mountain or a tree divided in floors or areas, each of them representing something or holding some type of creatures and knowledge. As a matter of fact, nowadays the modern esoterism refers to a plane as a subtle state, level, or region of reality, each one corresponding to some type, kind, or category of being. Definetely not far from the tradition.

According to ThetaHealing’s theory

For those who are a bit familiar with ThetaHealing (click on the link for more info) this concept of the cosmic planes should definitely ring a bell. Infact, according to the founder of this technique, Vianna Stibal, there are 7 planes of existence.

They are the seen and unseen energies that define the different dimensions of this universe, and they are so vast that the human mind in a normal daily state cannot comprehend them. That’s why when we are using the Theta brain waves we are able to perceive these inexplicable forces.

Each of the planes has its own particular energy, better described as a vibration. These vibrations are the essence of life in all its forms, all the existence as we know it. The frequency of vibration is what makes the planes different to one another: the higher the frequency of vibration, the faster the atoms move. For instance, the molecules in the solid objects of the 1st Plane move very slowly, then they start moving more quickly on the 2nd Plane and so on through all the other planes.

Each plane of existence is subject to its own conditions, rules, laws and commitments. By their very nature, the first 6 planes are not perfect, but the 7th Plane has the fastest vibrations and it has the essence of truth and divinity, what we may refer to as the Source or Universal Energy.

  • The 7th Plane of existence

As I’ve just written, this is the plane were lies the Pure Love and Universal Energy, the life-force energy that flows through all things. Here we can realise that we are all part of everything, that the energy is one and flows in each of us. On the 7th Plane, we can use the energies of all the planes without being bound by any vow or commitment to them, because the energy of the Seventh Plane creates the others.

  • The 6th Plane of existence

This is the plane of the Laws that create the very basic web of the Universe and reality, such as the Law of Time, the Law of Gravity, the Law of Cause and Effect (or Karma) and many more. The Laws are usually represente dby a symbol and they are categorised in Main Laws with sub-laws etc. like a sort of “hierarchy”.

  • The 5th Plane of existence

This is the plane of the divine and semi-divine beings, the plane of the masters, such as the Buddha and other masters that have changed the human history for good. It is divided into different sub-levels of vibration, like some sort of stair, and the lower level is the ultimate dualism. Dualism means that this is the place where both Good and Bad coexist (for instance Angels and Demons).

  • The 4th Plane of existence

This plane is where the spirits arrive and stay after death, where our ancestors are and where we will go after we will pass away. This is also the realm of spirits guide and totem animals.

  • The 3rd Plane of existence

This is the plane of protein-based life forms, such as humans and animals. Our souls need to experience the challenge of emotions and instinctual desires, and the reality of being in a human body in a physical world. All of this, in order to gain experience and learn our lessons until we won’t need to reincarnate anymore and we can ascend as masters in the 5th Plane. Our spirits will always stay in the 4th Plane, as spirit and soul are two different things.

  • The 2nd Plane of existence

All the organic material like plants and trees stay in this plane. It is well known that trees and plants can communicate with each other and that they are the most evoluted creatures on this planet (that’s right!). Fairies and elementals are also attracted to this plane because trees and plants are their home and support.

  • The 1st Plane of existence

This plane consists of all the inorganic material like minerals, crystals, soil, and rocks, all the elements in the periodic table before they bind to carbon bases (and so become organic).

Interconnection

All the planes of existence are linked to each other to form our reality and the whole universe. Learning about the nature of each plane brings us a better understanding of these links and will open us to what each plane has to teach us. Not only we are part of this, but we ARE the planes of existence. Exactly, every plane is working outside and inside our body in complete harmony and balance to create and sustain life.

Infact, the human body is made up of 5 different compounds: lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acid (DNA), and ATP (energy). Each of these is linked to a particular plane and together create who we are.

Our physical, mental and spiritual health depends on having enough of these compounds. If they are lacking in our body, there will be a lack in other areas of our life. For instance a lack of 4th-Plane (carbohydrates) is a lack of energy, or a lack of 2nd-Plane (vitamins) is a lack of love, and so on.

Utilizing the Planes

Back in the days, a person was expected to master the energy of one plane of existence at a time, usually after a spiritual initiation. Think about schamans or crystal healers.

Thankfully now, we can open up and learn how to fuse the elements of the planes into one energy, although we still have to go through lessons. As we develop our psychic and healing abilities, we will naturally connect to the energies of the planes and learn how to use them for our spiritual growth.

The Spiritual Spine

In a mother’s womb, the spine is one of the first thing that is formed. Anatomically and physically our spine is the support we rely on every day. It supports us and, thanks to the spinal cord and the various nerves, allows our body to move and experience sensations transmitted to the brain. Being part of our Central Nervous System, the spine and its health define the quality of our lives. 

Also on a spiritual level, the spine is the source of all our energy. It is no coincidence that it is where the major energy channels (in TCM), meridians and chakras lie in our body. If you roughly remember an article I recently wrote on Metamedicine, you immediately understand that every part of the body and its imbalances or diseases are associated with a possible mental block or negative belief. The spine is obviously no different and not only reflects this process, but also gives us a very interesting key to understand ourselves.

If you take a look at the images below, you can see how the spine is connected to each organ thanks to the nerves and in the second one, where all the 7 chakras are located on the spine levels and their functions and issues.

If you have a problem in a particular area of your spine or any of the related functions, for example digestion (other than speaking with your doctor obviously!), you can work on the associated chakra and keep a record of any improvements or not. If you want to get even deeper and more specific, I created a tab-map that specify the negative blockages of every single vertebra. You can find it here in English and Italian (where C stands for cervical/cervicale, T stands for thoracic/toracica and L stands for lumbar/lombare):

ENGLISH

ITALIANO

C1 – Overthinking

C1 – Troppi pensieri e idee in confusione

C2 – Deny yourself and your desires

C2 – Negare se stessi e i propri desideri

C3 – Be what you do and how you behave

C3 – Essere quel che si fa

C4 – Guilt and anger

C4 – Senso di colpa e rabbia

C5 – Speak out, express yourself

C5 – Esprimersi in tutti i sensi, parlare

C6 – Carry a weight

C6 – Portare un peso

C7 – Fear of not making it

C7 – Paura di non farcela

T1 – Fear of losing someone or something

T1 – Paura di perdere qualcuno o qualcosa

T2 – Feeling suffocated

T2 – Sentirsi soffocare

T3 – Injustice and unjustified phobias

T3 – Ingiustizia e fobie ingiustificate

T4 – Fear of love and/or being loved

T4 – Paura di amare e/o essere amati

T5 – Fear of failing

T5 – Paura di fallire

T6 – Jealousy and/or envy

T6 – Gelosia e/o invidia

T7 – Conflicts, feeling trapped

T7 – Conflitti, sentirsi in trappola

T8 – Obsessions, not letting go

T8 – Ossessioni, non lasciare andare

T9 – Fear of abandonment

T9 – Paura dell’abbandono

T10 – Fear of losing control

T10 – Paura di perdere il controllo

T11 – Not value yourself and your external image

T11 – Non valorizzare se stessi a la propria immagine esteriore

T12 – Fear of not being perfect

T12 – Paura di non essere perfetti

L1 – Insecurities, fears related to money

L1 – Insicurezze, paure correlate al denaro

L2 – Humiliation and shame

L2 – Umiliazione e vergogna

L3 – Feeling betrayed

L3 – Sentirsi traditi

L4 – Rejection of sexuality

L4 – Rifiuto della sessualità

L5 – Feeling vulnerable

L5 – Sentirsi vulnerabili

Sacrum – Be too influenced by others

Sacro – Lasciarsi influenzare troppo dagli altri

Coccyx – Stubborness

Coccige – Intestardirsi sulle proprie convinzioni

Other than working on the chakra linked with the area of interest, you can also book a session of “Spiritual Spine Straightening“, which I am going to talk about in a future article.

 

 

 

 

 


Images source:
1) wirbelsaulenaufrichtung.blogspot.com/2014/11/spinehealing-original-spiritual-spine
2) truegeorge.com/2015/02/21/the-chakras-the-bodys-source-of-energy

The Great Dictionary of Metamedicine – Book review

Claudia Rainville, author of the international best seller “Le Grand Dictionnaire of Métamédicine, chaque symptome est un message” (aka “The Great Dictionary of Metamedicine, every symptom is a message“) started her career as a psychotherapist, born and raised in the typical Western medicine environment. After few challenges she had to face during the years in her personal and family life, and after noticing few similar patterns in her patients, she founded the Metamedicine approach.

Ancient Romans used to say “Mens sana in corpore sano“, so “Healthy mind, healthy body” and that’s what pretty much Metamedicine is based on.

After realising that patients had significant emotional events or traumas before the onset of new health issues or symptoms, the correlation of these events became a vast inventory of case studies and successful diagnostics. So, according to Metamedicine (aka META-Health), there is not only a mind-body connection but actually a very precise organ-mind-emotion network. Which means that each area of our brain, with its chemical and emotional responds, is linked to a specific organ and a specific conflict or trauma or environmental social experience.

As examples of what I have mentioned already, we could say that the skin (organ of touch) might be affected by a loss-of-contact-conflict, the breast (organ that nourishes the baby) by a separation-conflict, the lungs (breath is the sign of life) by a fear-of-death conflict, and so on.

I know this is a lot to take in and maybe difficult to understand, so let me give you a couple more of examples that Claudia Reinville herself mentions in the book.

Let’s start from something very common like allergies. They are a very common problem, which usually onsets due to situations (or allergens) that are not accepted or that wake up forgotten emotions and traumas. One can be allergic to pet hair, pollen some foods: let’s focus on this one. Food allergies are the ones linked with a memory, for example: have you been told that one of your relatives died while you were eating broccoli? Don’t be surprised if you can’t stand them or if you are allergic to them. Were your parents divorcing while you were starting to eat fruits as a toddler? Be careful ’cause you can become strawberry-intolerant. If you are unable to address the episode or the period of time where your allergy started, it could be related to a previous life experience. Gluten and dairy products allergies are instead a separate matter.

Let’s give you another example, a quite common problem that many people are afraid to share: anal itching. The anus is the terminal part of the intestines, and so it represents the end of a process and letting go “something” (yeah, you know what I am talking about!). That’s why anal itching can be getting started when there are difficulties in letting go and move on from a situation. It could be a person, a house, a job, etc. Ask youself: what is that bothers me about letting go this thing/person? Why is it so hard to move on?

In “The Great Dictionary of Metamedicine, every symptom is a message” the author writes in alphabetical order mentioning step by step every single disease, how it is related with a trauma or a issues/ conflict we should face and solve, giving examples thanks to her experience with thousands of patients.

I found this book really illuminating, as being a ThetaHealer Pratictioner I already knew this type of correlation in our beings, but being able to address all of them and put them down on paper is remarkable and it comes very handy. Especially if you work with holistic healing like I do, it makes you save a lot of time and helps you understand better your clients, not to mention all the positive improvements you can gain for youself. So take your new Dictionary and start digging, I hope you will find all the answers you are looking for!

UPDATE

Dear Abundy's supporters and friends, It is with sadness that I have to announce the temporarily closure of Abundy Studio due to unexpected circumstances. During this time you can stay tuned and read the Abundy blog, but all the treatments will be suspended until further notice. Hopefully we won't stay close for long! Thank you for your understanding and support. With Love and Gratitude.